May 20, 2026
Defensive commitment.
That is what FC Dayton head coach Bradley Schluter stressed going into the club’s season opener against Great River Division juggernaut, Columbus Eagles FC. The reigning division champions, Columbus went a perfect 8-0-0 in 2025 and accounted for two of Dayton’s three losses during its 2025 campaign. Dayton finished the season in third place, going 4-1-3.
“They’ve set the standard in the conference over the last few years, so to go on the road after just two seasons together and earn a clean sheet-victory says a lot about the mentality of this team,” Schluter said.
The hard-fought 1-0 road win at the aptly named Fortress Obetz, earned FC Dayton Week Two Team of the Week Honors presented by SomethingIked. Savannah Connor (Lehigh University) scored the match winner in the 83rd minute to put Dayton atop the Great River Division.
“It was the first result we’ve earned against Columbus in the last three years, which speaks to the level of consistency with which they have played,” Schluter said.
Dayton’s impressive effort was backstopped by goalkeeper and team captain, Taylor Thomas (Xavier University), who made several game-saving stops as Columbus threw everything it had forward in search of its first goal of the season.
“We spoke after the game how we suffered together, being willing to do the hard work for 90 minutes,” Schluter said. “Everyone bought into the effort required on both sides of the ball. That collective commitment helped us manage a very good attacking team.”
FC Dayton looks to build on its historic win on Sunday, May 24 in its home opener versus Greater Toledo Football Club at Alumni Stadium. Sunday’s match is Toledo’s season opener. Toledo took last year’s series between the two clubs, playing to a 1-1 Week Three draw in Dayton and falling in Week Eight 1-0 in Toledo.
“The focus now is continuing to improve week-to-week while building chemistry and establishing a clear playing identity as the summer progresses,” Schluter said.
